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STYLE | Beauty

7 dry shampoos that are safe to use, even for postpartum mums

How to have clean hair even when you can’t wash it

By Gwyneth Goh - 

Singapore Women's Weekly
Singapore Women's Weekly
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You’re probably already familiar with this traditional rule during the confinement period: No hair-washing.

It’s a controversial rule, especially in the hot and humid climate of Singapore. How does one get away with not washing one’s hair for such a long time without feeling all kinds of gross?

Although most of us modern Asian mums these days might not follow the rule to the letter and wash our hair every now and then, a good dry shampoo is still a must for feeling clean — and circumventing unnecessary debates you may find yourself having with your own mum or confinement nanny. 

Our list is safe to use for new mums and people with sensitive scalps, as these are non-toxic and free of chemicals like butane, sulphates, phthalates, silicones, synthetic fragrances and dyes, while still doing a good job of removing the grease.

For those who are new to using dry shampoos, here are our tips:

  1. Always shake the bottle before application. 
  2. After applying/spraying the product on, let it sit for at least 5-10 minutes before massaging or brushing it through your hair. This gives it time to settle in and absorb oils while creating some texture.
  3. You should always apply/massage with clean, dry hands, rubbing it in briskly with your fingers to activate the product. 
  4. If you’re brushing your hair, do make sure to clean your hairbrush thoroughly after each use to avoid putting the dirt/oil back into your hair the next time you use it.
  5. If you’ve accidentally put too much dry shampoo on, using a blow dryer will help disperse it through your hair. 

Pro-tip: It’s more effective to use dry shampoos at night instead of in the morning because they work better to prevent excess overnight sebum rather than absorb it from already oily hair. Also, sleeping with the dry shampoo on helps “rub off” any whitish powdery residue that is a common complaint with some untinted dry shampoos on dark hair.

Do note however that dry shampoos should not be used every day and cannot be an adequate substitute for washing your hair. Overuse can lead to an unhealthy build-up in your scalp and clogged hair follicles, which over time can result in inflammation, acne, dandruff and damaged hair. Experts recommend using it for no more than two days in a row.

Also, while these are safe to use around your baby — which means the products’ ingredients are safe after application, and would not be harmful if the baby were to touch your hair afterwards — avoid applying dry shampoo if the baby is in the same room, as you wouldn’t want them inhaling any of it.

A’kin Dry Shampoo, $14.90, from Tangs

Credit: Tangs
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Bamboo powder is ultra-absorbent —more than four times as absorbent as regular rice powder, which makes this proprietary formula of natural bamboo and rice powder extra effective at adding volume and texture without leaving build-up or white residue.

Enriched with Argan oil to improve shine and smoothness, as well as Millet Seed to condition the scalp, this natural Australian dry shampoo is 100% vegan, and free of sulphates, parabens, silicones, ethoxylated cleansers, PEGs, phthalates, mineral oils, artificial colours and synthetic fragrances. Suitable for all hair types, especially oily hair, you can feel safe using this no-nasties formula postpartum.

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Aromase Mama Fa Bow Hair Restorer, $43.90, from Shopee

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Made in Taiwan, this quirkily-named hair restorer has been designed especially for mummies in confinement or pregnancy (although its manufacturer specifically cautions only to use it from the seventh month of pregnancy onward). Free of parabens, chemical preservatives, hydroquinone whitening agents or SLES surfactants, this product is SGS tested and contains USDA certified organic ingredients like Organic Aloe Vera and Organic Sunflower Oil. It also contains a lot of other soothing natural ingredients including chamomile, cornflower, marigold, rosemary and cedarwood extracts, Vitamin C, jojoba oil, clary sage oil, petitgrain oil and lavender essential oil.

More than simply a dry shampoo which promises to remove grease, absorb oil and restore freshness, Mama Fa Bow’s formula goes a step further to repair hair quality, address hair loss and restore follicle health, adding essential oils and plant extracts to naturally relieve itchy and dry scalp, prevent dandruff and split ends, nourish your scalp and remove odour. Simply shake, spray and massage. Aromase states that “women in confinement or from seventh month of pregnancy can use (it) daily”.

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Brigeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo, $44, from Sephora

Credit: Brigeo Hair Care
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Another pick on the list which does more than just absorb excess oil and clean your hair, Brigeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Biotin Dry Shampoo nourishes your scalp to improve the health of your hair from within, while also detoxifying your scalp of toxins, bacteria and impurities.

Rice-based with other active ingredients like Kaolin Clay, Sodium Bicarbonate (or Baking Soda), Corn and Tapioca starches, Bamboo and Charcoal powder, Witch Hazel and Biotin for thicker, fuller hair, this is a mostly natural product. While it contains no gluten, sulphates, silicones, parabens, phthalates, DEA or artificial dyes, some of you mummies with more sensitive scalps might skip this one because it’s fragranced with parfum.

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Kristin Ess Fragrance Free Dry Shampoo Powder, $28.78, from Amazon.sg

Credit: Amazon.sg
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For hair that has grown limp from not being washed for days, this lightweight formula can be applied at the roots to soak up excess oils and recreate volume. Cruelty free, vegan, and free of artificial fragrances, sulphates, parabens, phthalates, silicones and gluten, this dry shampoo is safe for sensitive skin and all hair types.

Kristin Ess is a celebrity hair stylist and colourist whose mission is to create affordable luxury haircare and styling products for everyone and their everyday hair goals.

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Hair Dance Volumizing Dry Shampoo, $44.75, from Amazon.sg

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A personal favourite because lavender oil has the extra perks of smelling so heavenly and actually having a relaxing effect on your body, this made-in-the-USA, all natural, vegan, cruelty-free product is made with some certified organic ingredients. It is also free of talc, parabens, sulphates, silicones, phthalates, DEA, artificial dyes and fragrances, petroleum and alcohols.

Designed for all hair types and colours including lights, mediums, darks and redheads, this chemical-free powder absorbs oil, adds instant volume and refreshes your hair. Extra plus: the gorgeous lavender scent could have a soothing effect on baby too!

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Handmade Heroes Drop Dead Gorgeous Dry Shampoo, $16.90, from Handmade Heroes

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Proudly homegrown, Handmade Heroes is a sustainable and clean Singaporean label which delivers affordable, effective beauty products that are cruelty-free, vegan and natural. This Drop Dead Gorgeous Dry Shampoo is designed for medium to dark hair, and it contains Kaolin, activated coconut charcoal and cocoa powder along with a lovely blend of Geranium Rose, Lavender, Peppermint and Eucalyptus oils.

Deodorising while at the same time refreshingly cooling, this natural plant-based and vegan formulation is free of benzene, propane, isobutane, carcinogens, synthetic fragrances or chemicals, parabens, artificial preservatives—absolutely safe for you, baby and the environment.

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Beauty By Earth Organic Dry Shampoo & Volume Powder, $35.87, from Amazon.sg

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A fully organic product, Beauty By Earth’s Dry Shampoo & Volume Powder is USDA Organic certified, Leaping Bunny certified, and free of gluten, sulphates, parabens, harsh chemicals and toxins. With a short and sweet ingredient list of corn starch, arrowroot powder, Kaolin clay, Sodium Bicarbonate (or Baking Soda), Cocoa powder and Lavandin Oil, you can be sure this is safe for you and baby.

Designed for dark and red hair colours (there’s another version for blonde and light hair colours), this dry ‘poo assures you of clean, sweet-smelling, smooth, shiny and voluminous hair for those humid no-wash days.

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This article was originally published in Singapore Women's Weekly.

Tags

confinementdry shampoopostpartum
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